When we were asked by TravelSupermarket if we wanted to go to Barcelona for the weekend as part of their #SuperCityBreaks campaign, it didn’t take us long to respond with a big ‘YES PLEASE!’. Being a blogger is amazing, but still opportunities like this don’t come along that often and we were so thrilled to be asked to go and share our experience with you all. Our excitement was even greater as the trip would be Baby’s first time on a plane! Yikes!
We flew from Gatwick just after 11am on Friday. The flight was only one and a half hours, which was a fabulous length to introduce a small person to flying. TravelSupermarket had arranged our flights and accommodation, plus some fun activities for us once we made it to Barcelona.
We flew with Easy Jet and the only issue flying out was that one of the toilets was out of service. This left one toilet for a whole plane full of people, including lots of men who looked like they were away for a boozy weekend. This meant the outward flight had a constant massive queue for the bathroom. Baby did really well queuing for the loo considering she is only just potty trained.
She was really well behaved and coped so well with her first ever flight. I, on the other hand, had such bad ear pain that I was tempted to throw myself from the plane at one point.
We arrived at Barcelona airport just after 2pm and jumped in a taxi for what should have been a short journey to the hotel, but a broken down car blocking the road, delayed us a little meaning we got to the hotel around 3pm.
We were staying at the Hotel Barcelona Universal, located on Avingudadel Paral·lel, one of Barcelona’s major streets, which links Plaza Espanya and the Gran Vía to the Port, the Ronda Litoral and Las Ramblas.
This 4 star hotel offers all the facilities you would expect and a couple you wouldn’t! The free wifi is a total must for me and the bonus was the most stunning roof top pool with two spectacular terraces. The views of the Barcelona skyline were stunning; from the peaks of Montjuïc, the Port, and all of Avinguda Paral·lel to Plaza Espanya. You can also spot the Agbar Tower, the Sagrada Familia, Plaza Catalunya, the Olympic Port, and the Columbus monument.
Up some stairs from the pool, terrace and bar is the solarium; an ideal place to unwind and have a drink. There is also a fully equipped fitness room.
After a quick room change, as the original had no bed for baby; we headed to our triple room to drop off our bags and freshen up.
Our room had two single beds pushed together and a single fold out couch bed. Baby and I opted for the fake double; as Mr Hubby and I thought one of us should sleep with Baby to stop her falling out of bed. The room also had masses of storage and a small outside terrace presumably for smoking.
Soon it was time to stroll around the neighbourhood. One thing to bear in mind, especially if you have kids, is that a lot of restaurants shut at 4pm and reopen at 8pm, which isn’t ideal timing for little ones. You can find places that are open, but it might not be as easy as you would assume.
When it looked like Baby was flagging we headed back to the hotel as the rooftop terrace was calling. The views were breathtaking and we had a lovely time relaxing with a drink.
Cheers Daddy!
Cheers Mummy!
Baby had such fun rolling around on the AstroTurf, taking pictures on her toy camera. We even had to take some pictures for her, to her direction, on her toy camera. Sometimes being a parent is very strange!
I would like to say I used the fitness facilities….. but then I don’t lie, so I won’t!
Small, but fabulous roof top pool.
The view from the roof terrace.
We decided to order room service, which was really yummy. I did find it slightly odd that the burger came with a bowl of crisps… Then as we are really Rock and Roll we all went to bed. Mr Hubby had only flown back to the UK the night before we flew to Barcelona, so he was exhausted, Baby was too and well, I always am; so an early night it was. Going to sleep cuddled up with my beautiful girl, was the perfect end to a great day.
Please come back tomorrow for part two, when we will share our trips and the amazing place we found for breakfast.
Disclosure: We were sent on this trip in order to offer an honest review.
Comments 28
Love that pool!! Your photos are great hun, especially love the one of baby jumping on the bed! Can’t wait for part 2! x
Author
Thanks huni, the terrace was amazing x
What a fantastic adventure – especially for Baby! She did well on the plane! Loving all the pics, but the last one of the view from the roof terrace is just beautiful. Barcelona is a city we would love to visit one day – it’s great to know it’s less than 2 hours on the plane! xx
Author
Thanks lovely. Baby was awesome, so much better than I thought she would be! xx
Love that you were honest as travelling with children is never easy. Been to Barcelona and absol loved it, so much to see and do. Roof pool looks awesome. I want a holiday!
Author
We were so pleased with how she was on the plane, shame we hit flight delays and crash traffic on the way home, but she still surprised us x
What a stylish hotel! I love the colors & the outdoor space is fabulous. Baby looks like she really enjoyed your stay in Barcelona. It’s on our short list of cities to visit.
You are so lucky how did you get offered this opportunity? I have always wanted to go to Spain and judging by your pictures it looks like you all had a fun time. Can’t wait for part II!
Author
They contacted me and invited me. I have worked really hard to build up a social following and climb the various rankings, looks like it paid off x
Looks like a great weekend hun, I’d love to go to Barcelona and see the cathedral (and the shopping). Loved the roof terrace, looks like baby enjoyed the fake grass. Sorry to hear your ears were bad on the flight I hear travel sweets are good for that. Looking forward to reading Part 2! Lizzie xo
Author
I did the sweet thing on the way back and it was fine. Didn’t have any issues flying to Rome, strange how you get different experiences from different flights xx
What a fab looking apartment. I havent explored Barcelona but we did get to near there last year when we visited portaventura on a press trip.
I have never been to Barcelona before so I can’t wait to read part 2. Your apartment looks amazing and very spacious and the rooftop bar and pool look really nice. You have captured some gorgeous photos of baby , she looks like she is having the best time xx
Author
Thanks so much lovely, we had a great time xx
Wow, that view from the roof terrace is amazing and the roof top pool looks so inviting, I’d give anything right now to escape the sudden cold. How lucky to get such a wonderful offer in the autumn. I hope you all had fun. and baby is so cute!
Author
We are so grateful for the opportunity x
Author
It was such a great hotel, we were blown away by the roof terrace x
Barcelona is somewhere I have never been but would love to go to. That hotel looks amazing! x
I’ve always wanted to go to Barcelona. The Hotel you stayed In looks great. It looks like you a really good time.
Author
It was great thank you x
Wow, looks like a fantastic adventure you and your daughter. She looks super cute and adorable. Must be a struggle when kids run around so fast. I babysit one of my neighbours I was out of breathe. But great you had a fantastic day out. The hotel, looks amazing.
Wow it looks like you all had a wonderful trip and your little one is so beautiful and looks delighted in all your lovely photosx
Author
Ah thank you so much huni x
Oh what a fabulous opportunity. Love the photos, it looks a lovely hotel. Sorry you had ear pain – my eldest suffers terribly when she flies 🙁 Kaz x
Author
Thanks so much huni. There ear pain was so awful x
How exciting to have this opportunity.
You totally deserve it 🙂
Off to read part 2! x
Author
Ah thank you so much x
Sounds like a lovely time away. And well done Baby on managing to queue for the loo on the plane – very impressive!